Škoda brings a little bit of ‘Le Tour’ to British shores

In a ‘world first’, cycling enthusiasts can complete Tour de France stages using equivalent routes across the UK

Wigan, Stockport, and Swansea may not be the obvious locations that spring to mind when you think of Tour de France climbs, but for UK cycling fans that’s about to change thanks to the launch of an innovative new online platform from ŠKODA which brings the world’s most famous cycling race to British shores.

For the first time in the world, the ‘Little Bit of the Tour’ tool – now live as BETA on the ŠKODA website – allows cycling enthusiasts to search for UK-based routes that closely match the twists and turns of The Tour de France. And, if they’re up to the challenge, users can complete little bits of all 21 stages of the brutal, leg-burning race.

All riders need to do is visit the website and enter their postcode, opt for their preferred Tour de France stage, and decide how far they wish to cycle. Within seconds SKODA’s interactive mapping tool will reveal equivalent routes in the UK and, as the last stages of the Tour de France unfold this week, cyclists will get the chance to be the first to feedback and assist in the development of the tool for other riders.

In addition to thousands of available routes, the tool also encourages friendly rivalry between users. Cyclists can challenge friends and/or fellow unknown lovers of two wheels to beat their times and share their achievements on social media.

Whether it’s Mont-Saint-Michel or Paris’ Champs-Élysées, cyclists don’t need to cross the English Channel to be part of the famous race that has captured hearts of so many since 1903.

To take part in a ride and feedback on the ‘Little bit of the Tour’ tool, visit: www.skoda.co.uk/cycling/littlebit on desktop and mobile.

Cycling is a cornerstone of ŠKODA’s history and in addition to the Tour de France the car manufacturer supports other international cycling races as well as numerous international and national cycling events. ŠKODA’s commitment to cycling demonstrates the unique relationship between the brand and the bicycle. ŠKODA’s founding fathers, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, began the company’s success story 121 years ago by making bicycles.